Although from the sitter’s elegant pose and stylish dress he could be mistaken for a collector, the presentation of a single object is more customary for a portrait of a sculptor. The model is for a statue of Hercules, undertaken for a prestigious commission in Venice. Aspetti’s direct eye contact positions us in the role of the client; presumably the sculptor was hoping to capitalise on his recent success.

Acquired by George III in 1762 as part of the collection of Joseph Smith, British Consul in Venice